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Cheesy Taco Casserole for a Crowd

Cheesy Taco Casserole for a Crowd: Irresistibly Delicious & Easy!

Why This Cheesy Taco Casserole for a Crowd is a Game-Winner

Picture this: It's game night, your living room is buzzing with laughter, and the smell of something delicious wafts through the air. That’s how my love affair with Cheesy Taco Casserole for a Crowd began. I was hosting friends, and no one wanted to miss a single play of the big game. I needed something hearty, cheesy, and easy to serve. Enter this casserole! Not only did it disappear in minutes, but it also earned me the unofficial title of "Casserole Queen." If you're looking for a dish that feeds a crowd and keeps everyone happy, you've come to the right place.

The Story Behind the Cheesy Taco Casserole

Tacos have been a beloved staple in Tex-Mex cuisine for decades. But when life gets busy, who has time to assemble individual tacos? The Cheesy Taco Casserole for a Crowd takes all the flavors you love—spiced beef, gooey cheese, and zesty toppings—and layers them into one easy-to-serve dish. I first stumbled upon this idea at a potluck where someone brought a similar casserole. I thought, "Why not make it even cheesier?" After a few tweaks and taste tests (thanks, family!), I perfected this version. It's now my go-to recipe for feeding large groups without breaking a sweat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 bag (12 ounces) tortilla chips crushed
  • Optional toppings diced tomatoes, sliced olives, chopped green onions, guacamole

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Large Baking Dish
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks until browned, then drain excess fat.
  2. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and stir well to combine.
  3. In a large baking dish, spread the refried beans evenly across the bottom.
  4. Spoon the seasoned beef over the beans and spread it out to cover the surface.
  5. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
  6. Crush the tortilla chips into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle them over the cheese layer.
  7. Pour the salsa evenly on top of the chips.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Double the recipe if feeding a larger group; it scales beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
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